Transport of Pesticides Malathion, Carbaryl, and Fipronil into Porous Materials and Permeable Layers
Citation:
Oudejans, L. Transport of Pesticides Malathion, Carbaryl, and Fipronil into Porous Materials and Permeable Layers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/S-23/161, 2023.
Impact/Purpose:
Pesticide misapplication cases continue to appear across the nation including instances where a significant amount of remediation of the impacted area is required. In many cases, pesticides may be present on a large variety of materials ranging from nonporous, impermeable materials to those with varying degrees of porosity leading to the potential permeation of a pesticide into a material. This summary compiles data from several recent EPA HSRP bench-scale studies that assessed the transport of select pesticides, each studied separately, into porous and/or permeable materials. The purpose of this summary is to provide decision makers with practical information on the expected degree of absorption/permeation of malathion, carbaryl, and fipronil into several types of building materials. This practical information will inform the remediation strategy for the decontamination of contaminated interior areas.
Description:
Summary of the research investigating the fate of pesticides on porous surfaces, including the transport into permeable paint or sealant and porous sublayers. The mis- or overuse of pesticides continues to occur across the USA in relation to the bed bug epidemic. The fate and transport of these pesticides into permeable materials (e.g., painted wall boards or wood floor finish) is not well understood. Complete removal of such materials may not always be feasible. Outcomes of this study will guide development of modified decontamination options that would neutralize pesticides absorbed into paints or sealants which would otherwise become long term contact hazards.